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Dorćol Quay

Belgrade  >  Serbia

Some 150 species were observed from the Dorcol Quay. The best period birdwise is from November to February.

Added* by Dragan Simic
Most recent update 26 December 2023

Description

The Bank of Major Gavrilovic, colloquially called Dorcolski kej (Dorcol Quay), is possibly the best winter wildfowling spot in the city.

Highlight species: Ferruginous Duck, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, Smew, Red-crested Pochard, Greater Scaup, Velvet Scoter, Red-throated Diver and Black-throated Diver. While regular in winter (about 4000 overwinter in the city in recent years), Pygmy Cormorant does not breed in the vicinity and is almost absent in spring and summer. In late February and March, the only duck species that does not overwinter here is heading back – the Garganey. By the end of March, Black Stork are back (they will be noticeable on autumn migration in late September and October, too), as well as Black-crowned Night Heron. There is a breeding pair of White-tailed Eagle at the Veliko Ratno Island and they can be seen year-round, but the best chances are in winter, when they hunt ducks around the island. In March and November Common Crane are a possibility. Locally rare, the Little Gull was observed from September to November, while Caspian Tern was observed in September-October.

Photos by Josip Saric and Dragan Simic.

Details

Access

You can park nearby (click on a P in the map for directions to a parking) and then explore further on foot. The quay is good for walking, cycling, wheelchairs/mobility equipment users, and strollers.

Reachable bu public busses 79 & 24.

Terrain and Habitat

River , Mud flats

Conditions

Flat , Dry , Open landscape

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn , Winter

Best time to visit

Winter

Route

Paved road , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

No need to hurry in the morning because there is often mist hanging above the water. It happened to me that there wasn't even a trace of fog in the city, so I went down to the river - which then I couldn't see at all, not to mention the birds. There is always some breeze over the river, which is very unpleasant in winter - don't forget a warm hat and gloves.

Beside a few small flocks by the bank, most of the birds will be in shallows by the Veliko Ratno Island, some 400 m / 1300 ft away, which calls for a scope.

The promenade is dotted with cafes where you can warm up after birding. Some birders use the Tri Papricice floating cafe as a vantage point.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

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